Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Unsung Heroes

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Today is Veteran’s Day and we thankfully recognize all those who have fought for the freedom we enjoy.  Merriam Webster defines patriot as “one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests.”  Note the first key phrase: “One who loves…” Patriotism is an expression of LOVE.  Love calls us to sacrifice, and who has sacrificed more than the American Soldier?

An unsung hero is one whose generous acts of compassion, strength, selflessness, perseverance and even sacrifice make a profound and positive difference on the course of history for others without recognition or reward. Today Veterans do not receive the gratitude they deserve. 
Unfortunately it seems like we are placing less and less value on the people who have fought and put their lives on the lines for the freedoms that we take for granted.  Now people are forgetting that these privileges were costly and paid for with someone’s blood.  Many of the younger generation believe they deserve and are entitled to whatever they want, and they shouldn’t have to work for it at all.
Hundreds of thousands of America's brave men and women have died during America's wars:
  • In Saratoga and Yorktown
  • In Flanders Field and Gettysburg
  • In Normandy and Pearl Harbor
  • In Korea and Vietnam
  • In Iraq and Afghanistan
Some are buried in Arlington Cemetery and others bones are in graves around the world. The silent graves of more than a half-million Americans are eloquent testimony that everything costs and freedom costs most of all.
Our First Responders stand today between us and the dangers of our society protecting and serving in communities across America.  They are ready to sacrifice even their lives for the safety and security of others. We see them on the roadsides and hear the wail of the sirens knowing that they are answering the calls of those in need. Every day these individuals leave their homes and families knowing they may not return.
Who Veterans Are:
What Were the Characteristics of These Who Bought and Protected Our Inheritance?
  • Strong Sense of Personal Responsibility
  • Gratitude for Benefits
  • Low Sense of Entitlement
  • Sense of Social Responsibility - Loved Their Neighbors
  • Patriotic - Loved their Country
  • Spiritual - Loved their God
  • Family Centered - Loved their Families
  • Respectful of Authority
Veterans are not just important for what they have done but who they have become because of it. These characteristics are what we all need to strive for in our own personal lives.  Veterans are examples of strength, morality, loyalty, love and much more.  To show true honor is to be willfully and emotionally grateful and individually humbled by their act, gift or person. Thank a Veteran today!
May we stop abusing the liberty we have received by selfish indulgence on pleasures that weaken the moral strength of this great nation.
Scripture to Claim:
Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:7

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